Ghost Orchid--anyone out there have one??

[LizK]

I've seen a few posts on this forum about people starting to grow ghost orchids (or thinking about it). Does anyone have one that they are growing successfully? What about flowers...anyone manage to get their Ghost to bloom? I'm tempted to buy one, but I can't seem to find enough info on how to grow them or find anyone who has one and is getting it to bloom! Thanks, Liz

[fred]

this may get you started with the info you are looking for

http://www.beautiful-orchids.com/flo...st-orchid.html

http://www.theorchidjournal.com/gallery1.htm

http://www.orhidee.ee/liik.jsp?id=19

[fred]

I just thought of re listing this thread to get more opinions so we can help the members with more info

[kmarch]

Once we get away from the 10-12 most popular genera, cultural info gets more difficult to find especially in the form of neat, tidy, easy to understand culture sheets. So what can we do if we find an orchid we want to grow but can't find cultural info on it? We look at its native habitat. Here's a few things we can do to deduce cultural info from geographical/climatic information:

1) look at the climate - tropical? arid? temperate?
2) look at the seasons - wet/dry? same the year round? pronounced seasons? - this will tell you if you can give the plant similar care year-round or if you have to change it as the seasons change.
3) look at the temperatures - are they in the cool, intermediate, or warm range? are they the same year round or is there a summer/winter difference?
4) look at the elevation at which the plant grows - does it grow near sea level or up in the mountains? - this will give you more info about the temperature requirements. High elevations, even in troical areas, can be very cool, even cold.
5) look at the rainfall - is it steady year round? does the region have a rainy season? a dry season? - this will give you clues about how to water.
6) look at the humidity - is it trpoical? arid? in between? - this will tell you if you can grow it on your windowsill or if oyu might need a greenhouse if high humidity is required.
7) look at where the plant grows - on exposed rocks in full sun? on tree branches with dappled sunlight? on the forrest floor in shade? - this will give you clues as to how much light your plant will require.
8) look at where the plant gets its moisture (if possible) - does the plant get rained on openly? does it only get watered by runoff? - this will tell you things like if your plant can stand to have its leaves wet or if it is susceptible to rot.
9) look at how the plant is positioned - does it hang down from a branch? does it grow upward in a rocky pocket? - this can give you clues as to whether the plant will do better on a mount or in a pot.
10) look at the big picture - use all of this info to get a big, overall picture of the plant's environment over the course of a full year. This will give you a good idea of what the plant expects.

Finally, after you've collected all of your data, consider writing your own culture sheet and share it with your fellow orchid growers!

[Ellen]

I have a ghost orchid that's been growing in my greenhouse for about a year. It's still pretty small, too small to bloom. It's mounted on a piece of grape vine, tucked away in a relatively shady, humid corner where it doesn't get much breeze from the fans. I think the fact that it hasn't died yet is promising! What these plants want is basically lots of humidity so that the roots don't ever dry out completely. Mine would probably do better if the humidity in the GH stayed more constant. It might also do better if mounted on something else, but I've just never gotten around to changing it.

[brookn]

Hi, I believe they grow in the swamps in the southern states. Maybe that helps. I have heard that they like the same type culture as say a dracula. I spoke to a lady that had some for sale, and mind you though she was experienced with orchids, she was new to growing ghosts. She said that hers grew great but that she was unable to get them to bloom afer 2 years. Maybe her conditions were wrong, made me unsure of buying some as I am not experienced at all with orchids. I look forward to those of you that have them keeping us posted. They are certainly very unusual and beautiful.

[Ellen]

What brookn says is right, ghost orchids (Polyrrhiza, anyway) grow in the swamps of Florida. I have mine in the same corner as the pleurothallids (including Draculas), since both need relatively low light and high humidity.

[arleneg]

Hi Liz,

I just ordered one from Odom's Orchids. For several months, I've been contemplating about buying one and finally decided to give it a go. However, the one I ordered is an Asian ghost orchid and have found some culture info for it.

Since this is my first order with Odom's Orchids (so far, the only nursery I found that sells a ghost orchid), I won't suggest any member to order from them (unless, of course, someone here has and would like to share their experience with them). After I receive my order, I will post a review of this nursery.

[kmarch]

The climate where ghost orchids grows is very different than where Draculas grow. Florida is close to sealevel whereas Draculas grow in cool-cold mountainous areas of South America. True that both areas are humid, but one is cold and the other warm.

[pikevi]

kmarch: That is a great list of factors to study and analyze for uncommon varieties.

With all the information and knowledge you have , you should think of writing a book.

I still don't have any books on orchids. The grower had a book which they said cost about $150 US, I believe. I was in a hurry and I forgot write down the ISBN. Next time I will get it without fail.

[kmarch]

pikevi, I get most of my info from various books and things. I'm not sure I'd have much original to say that hasn't been said before in some context.

What book are you looking at?

[Ellen]

I never said my setup for growing Draculas and ghost orchids in the same area was optimal. I only said that they survive and grow under those conditions. Although they typically grow in different temperature ranges, both can grow in intermediate conditions, especially if you choose your Draculas for warmth tolerance.

[BillC]

I saw this and thought of the thread. the pic comes from the following site :

http://harperkay.homestead.com/EvergladesI.html

It is an unusual presentation and perhaps a bit stylized but shows the bloom very well.

Bill

[Vivienne]

very very cool!

yet another orchid to add to my wish list.

[pikevi]

I will get the info on the book next time I go to the garden centre. The girl said it is too much info for a hobby-grower.

I will let you know in a week. I am reluctant to go to this orchid growers since I will invariably end up buying some plants.

"knowing where to find information is half-knowledge" ( I don't remember whose quote is this one)